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Hybrid flywheel/compressed-fluid propulsion system for nonstationary applications

  • US 4,163,367 A
  • Filed: 01/09/1978
  • Issued: 08/07/1979
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/09/1978
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A hybrid flywheel/compressed-fluid propulsion system for a self-propelled object, said system comprising:

  • (A) a rotatable drive shaft adapted to propel said object when rotated;

    (B) energy conversion means connected to said drive shaft and employing a compressible working fluid, said energy conversion means being adapted, when supplied with said working fluid in a compressed state, to expand said working fluid and produce shaft work for transmission through said drive shaft;

    (C) a primary container for storing said compressible working fluid in compressed state;

    (D) first conduit means adapted to connect said primary container and said energy conversion means, and to supply compressed working fluid to said energy conversion means;

    (E) first valve means interrrupting said first conduit means and adapted to selectively control the flow of compressed working fluid to said conversion means; and

    (F) a flywheel connected to said drive shaft through disconnecting means adapted to selectively connect said disconnect, independent of said conversion means, said flywheel from said drive shaft.

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